Astrologically Speaking

Cancer 2002 edition ...

crab June 21, 2002 not only starts a new astrological month, at 6:24 A.M. PDT, it is the Summer Solstice - seasons change. (View chart) Happy birthday to those born between June 21 and July 22. In the northern hemisphere we have the longest day and the shortest night of the year. The word solstice means the Sun stood still. In the northern latitudes the Sun does not set at Midsummer, is a big celebration! (At the latitude for Oulu, Finland 65 North the Sun rise occurs at 01:15 AM and the Sun sets at 11:29 PM. The opposite phenomenon occurs at the Winter solstice the Sun rises at 10:31 AM and sets shortly after at 2:06 PM).

To skip intro just read signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

Summer solstice is the start of the Cancer Month. The Sun is standing still - my quote for the month has to be "Let us be silent, that we may hear the whispers of the gods". The Sun is respecting the shift of the seasons, perhaps we should take a few moments this month, to silence the mind so we may hear our inner voice above the din of our busy world.

Why the silence? Cancer is one of the silent (mute) signs, its animal symbol the crab does not make sounds unlike Aries the Ram, Taurus the Bull, etc. The other two mute signs are Scorpio and Pisces.All of these represent the element of water, which is emotional, sensitive, empathetic, and reflective. Water itself is healing, soothing and calming both figuratively and literally. The spiritual aspect of the Sun is illumination, it rules the process of becoming self-aware. Astrologically speaking we relate more readily to our Moon sign characteristics and responses, the Moon is instinctive whereas the Sun describes something we are growing into, it is what we are becoming. It takes the Sun a month to travel through a sign of the zodiac, whereas the Moon takes only 2.5 days. (Where is your Moon - calculate your chart on line - click here).

Heading into this lunar-solar month we have experienced two eclipses and another one is around the corner - on Monday the 24th.

Date	Zodiacal Position	Eclipse Type	Proximity to Nodes
May 26, 2002	5° Sagittarius 4'	Lunar occurs @ full Moon	12° of South Node
June 10, 2002	19° Gemini 54'	Solar occurs @ New Moon	2° of North Node
June 24, 2002	3° Capricorn 11'	Lunar occurs @ full Moon	15° of South Node
November 19, 2002	27° Taurus 33'	Lunar occurs @ full Moon	11° of South Node
December 4, 2002	11° Sagittarius 58'	Solar occurs @ New Moon	3° South Node

At Lunar eclipses the Moon is obscured, this one coming up is a penumbral eclipse where the light is dimmed not occulted. (Occult simply means hidden). The Moon reflects the light of the Sun having no light of its own. At the time of lunar eclipses the focus is on action not reflection. Over the years I have noticed that the eclipses that are very close to the nodal axis have more impact. This year it is the two solar eclipses, the June one at the north which is a future oriented point and the December on at the South which has to do with the past.

The symbolism of the Sun is ego, awareness, and the process of becoming self-aware. The Moon is the internal reflection of what is happening in our lives, its role is to allow us to process life emotionally. Eclipses are major prediction timers astrologically speaking. The events are typically out there in the world rather than in our lives. However, when an eclipse activates an individual's chart it acts as the fuse to set things in action. Let's assume that all four of these eclipses made close contact with your natal chart, then when all was said and done, you'd have gotten divorced and remarried, moved both homes and changed jobs, in other words your life would have changed completely. It is seldom that dramatic, but naturally enough can be.

Eclipses both solar and lunar happen at the lunar nodes. Lunar nodes are the intersection of the annular (yearly) path of the Sun which is called the ecliptic where the path of the Moon intersects the ecliptic. The Lunar nodes have a significant role in astrology, apart from the mathematics of pin pointing the up coming eclipses, they define our dharma and our karma. Dharma is Sanskrit for one's assigned path in life and Karma is Sanskrit for our (past) actions. The solar eclipse (June10) took place at the South Node illuminating the past and its "rewards", the lunar eclipses reflect the potential within the future and destiny point. In December this same destiny point will be illuminated.

The logic represented the Sun and the instincts represented by the Moon meet at the points, keeping track of how we are growing into our potential and remembering where we have been and what we have learned in the past (how far in the past would depend on your take on re-incarnation). The eclipses at the South end (see above table) bring emotional issues to the forefront, there need be no event surrounding it, the Moon is instinctual it remembers.

Nothing in life nor from an astrological perspective happens in isolation, we have had a a couple of years to learn in detail about these issues. Saturn has been travelling through Gemini for almost two years, that is where the North node has been since last September. Saturn is reality, restrictions and it represents matters denied or hindered. The benefit is that we are more likely to stay focused on what we desire to accomplish. This is about only getting what is earned and deserved, no un-earned gifts here. These are things we get to keep. While both are in the sign of Gemini the focus is on learning, gathering facts in order to get concrete results.

Pluto has been travelling with the South Node. Pluto is notorious for eliminating things and issues that no longer serve a purpose. He is the weed sprayer of the zodiac, he won't let you throw the baby out with the bath water, but you are the one who needs to recognize what is worth keeping.

Cancer is the sign in astrology associated with mother, home, roots, patriotism, matriarchy, solace, retreat, compassion, empathy, thriftiness, the ebb and flow of emotions, caring, nurturing, instincts and sensitivity. and nostalgia. Not only is the Sun in Cancer but so are Mars and Jupiter at the Solstice. There is a strong emphasis on spirituality with these three archetypes. It is a wonderful time to take stock, to listen to your inner guidance and plan to move ahead when the leonine energies take over in a month's time.

Many family re-unions take place during this month. In Canada it is the time high school students graduate and in Finland the Solstice weekend is when the churches are booked solid for midsummer weddings. Both Canada and the United States are countries that were "birthed" with Sun in Cancer. Oddly enough Russia is the country that has been coined Mother Russia and Sweden is often called Mamma Sverge, and these two countries are not Cancer nations. The Mars-Jupiter pair rising in the Solstice chart heralds in grander celebrations in both countries on their respective birthdays. Look for patriotic displays of emotion, swearing allegiance and of course grand fireworks. Life ebbs and flows, as do the stars and planets, the grand displays in the US are due to the events of September 11, 2001. Those events were reflected in the stars, and in our lives. It is a build-up - for US these eclipses on the Gemini-Sagittarius axis are triggering off the nation's birth chart; and typically there are events that follow.

On a spiritual level this a great month from the Jupiterian perspective. Which brings us back to taking the time to listen to our own thoughts and perceptions to gain perspective in our own spiritual path.

Aries

For the past few years your focus has been on learning and discovering, you may have been introduced to new concepts and/or ideas that previously seemed alien in nature. In the last year, and particularly this month, the focus is at home. Improvements, changes - bigger is better, getting ready for visitors or new family members may be in the stars. Time for reflection on who you truly are, not your body or clothes, it isn't about the facade. We are talking about you at a soul level. It is not what others see, it is about what you know, set aside even 5 minutes every day this month to gaze into space - find the real you.

Taurus

Your resources vs. those of partner, striving to improve your value and your marketability has been the theme for quite a while now, and continues until June 2003. Finances are on an upswing, a good time to make sure your property and life insurance are updated - protect your assets. Time is a resource, set aside a little time for yourself, you haven't done that of late. In the last year communication, travel and perhaps even moving residence have been high on your priority list. Getting a bigger, flashier car may be really tempting now, do keep in mind how hard you have worked to build up your resources - don't squander these on a whim. Enjoy what you have instead of looking for more of what might not satisfy you in the long run.

Gemini

Should I skip this one... The big stellar events have been happening in the area of the chart that is YOU, yourself and others. You are changing, what used to be important - no longer is. If you had known then what you know now - vow. Relationships are changing or some are even ceasing to be, this can be a challenging time for marriages. You are changing and if your partner cannot accept that the partnership comes under scrutiny. What you wanted then you no longer desire. Money matters have been up and down all year long, and now there is yet another temptation to go and acquire new material possessions. Easy come, easy go. The trick of having money is not spending what you earn - sounds so simple, huh? But hey, you might get a welcome ego boost from those who appreciate you, and actually tell you that.

Cancer

Some parts of life are just simply private, doubly so for you. You have spent the last couple of years seeking solitude, having very little interest in holding onto any relationships that do not feel right at a soul level. True friends, those are the only ones you have time for - and worldly pursuits that will lead to goals that help you serve others. No time for shallow people or shallow activities. You breathe in the emotions of others, and at the moment you need to preserve your own space so that you don't feel your privacy invaded. The contradictory urge particularly this month but on and off during the last year, is to improve your health, physical appearance and yes increase the size of that wardrobe. Start that diet in August - this month is not designed for dieting. There is a sense that you have arrived this month - where may still be a partial mystery.

Leo

Where do you want to be 5 years from now? What will you be doing in 10? You have been looking so far into the future that you may have lost sight of the now. Bring it into sharper focus this month. If you can dream it you can make it happen. What is it you truly desire? Children, your romantic life and/or your creativity may also have been giving you a few concerns over the last two years. This will all subside but we may be looking at June 2003 before life's moving truly smoothly again. You are quite protective of those and that which you consider belonging to your den. Spirits and dreams may have been knocking on the door of your unconscious or subconscious of late, work with your dreams. Learn about the spirits that walk with you every day. Silence the mind or simply open your mind so you can hear ...

Virgo

Career, status, your role in the community and parents/authority figures - changes, stress, compromises on that front since - who remembers when... This can be the time when you are truly reaping rewards of what "you have sown" or a time when you decide that CHANGE is needed NOW. The family unit is another issue under scrutiny - moving, renovations or even changing countries can truly hold allure or simply be "forced" upon you. Be flexible and it will all go smoother. It may feel as if you are walking on a rolling walker which keeps stalling... Dream BIG, cease the opportunities - help and assistance sometimes comes from the oddest direction. Financial luck can be quite high now - not the gambling kind, but the earned kind.

Libra

Up, up and away in my beautiful balloon... Things may be a little up and down, but before you can move ahead, you need to know where you want to be headed, you know. The theme that has been going on for a while, regarding plans, studies, learning - striving to realize your dreams does get a welcome boost now. Internal matters are probably in higher focus than external - what do you believe in, what are your convictions - and how are they changing. Beneath the surface there appears to be a lot going on - so do take the time to still the mind and listen to the music of the ethers. Well deserved recognition could be coming your way this month, should that not materialize for you, give yourself a pat on the back. This is still a planning time - forcing a move ahead is counter-productive.

Scorpio

Cash is less and resources are increasing - why can you not focus on the haves? Your value system is undergoing a change (what an understatement). You have never had an appreciation for the shallow and superficial, but now you are also finding people who resist change a challenge. The intimate relationships (does not need to be a lover) are under scrutiny, and no-one can scrutinize better. You have a yearning to dig even deeper, this is about changing you - and you thought that was behind you, huh? This is about finding your true purpose in life - what is your Dharma? The other side Karma you are intimate with already. This month there is a strong urge for you to travel not necessarily in body but in spirit, explore new frontiers. Maybe it is time to talk to an astrologer, psychic, or be your own clairvoyant. Loose yourself in good metaphysical book - I like Elisabeth Heich's "Initiation".

Sagittarius

Read Gemini as well - it is the flip side of the same coin. The focus is on others, you need to take that back seat, and at times you don't want to. You have been coping with accelerated transformation since 1996, maybe feeling that it is enough. Nothing is the same, you no longer do the same job, you relationships are totally different to what used to be. At times being responsible for everyone else is wearing you out, but perhaps some of that is your own doing, have you taken on too much. Mr. Moneybags has been in your wealth house for a year now, more in and more out, but you can be stingy when you need to be, just not this month. A word of caution it is harder to earn it than to spend it, which we all know is a breeze. When was the last time you meditated, I am not talking about getting into the lotus position - anything we do with utmost concentration is meditation.

Capricorn

Work, chores, schedules, responsibilities and the deepest desire for retreat that is your last few years in a nutshell. You may have always enjoyed work, but it was always the quest - perhaps you've allowed yourself to get into a comfortable rut. It may be time to move on, make sweeping changes. What a perfect month to take a holiday - even a few days. Have some fun, loosen up we all know you won't go over your budget. Working too hard may have been quite taxing on your health, we all need to recharge our inner "batteries" once in a while - it's time. Have you set yourself some fun goals? Hire help to do some of the mundane chores for you, and spend a while creating new inspiring goals.

Aquarius

Creativity, fun and romance that is what you ought to be pursuing - are you? Yes, children can be a handful, but we can't change that, we can only change our attitude. Take up a sport, do you a world of good. No sports - well how about a pottery class. Your life is already intellectual, you need to balance it out with things that require little analysis. The hectic pace at work is temporary this month is the crest and then that wave subsides. Your aspirations for the future may have undergone a radical change, what you thought you wanted has changed. When we pursue things we truly desire no amount of effort is too much nor too draining...

Pisces

Changes at home and at work. Security and building a solid foundation is becoming more and more important. You may have discovered that at on the work front, you are no longer prepared for the status quo. You now know you are worth more, and are likely to make your views known loud and clear. There is likely quite a bit of activity on the romantic and/or creative front, you have workable ideas and the desire to realize these. If you are feeling tense with all the changes - perhaps you could look into yoga, one of the martial arts or similar to help you feel centred and grounded. A lucky streak has been following you for a year now, it hasn't been lottery wins but those saving graces. That theme is very strong this month.